Battlefield Mall, Springfield, MO: A Retail Oasis in the Heart of SpringfieldBattlefield Mall in Springfield, Missouri shines as a symbol of outstanding retail and a hub for community interaction. This extensive shopping complex has played a pivotal role in the local community for many years, providing a wide range of shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences for both residents and visitors.Let's take a closer look at the intricate history, distinctive offerings, and lively ambiance that have collectively contributed to making Battlefield Mall in Springfield, MO, a cherished and popular destination.Battlefield Mall is a thriving and much-loved center of retail therapy and communal life. This massive shopping center has been an integral part of life in Springfield for quite some ti... 11/22/2023

Springfield Lake Park: A Nature Lover's ParadiseLocals and visitors are drawn to Springfield, Missouri's hidden jewel, where nature's beauty and recreational activities blend. Springfield Lake Park offers peace and outdoor fun. Discover a world of natural treasures, from Springfield Lake's tranquility to lush, green landscapes that beckon exploration and relaxation. This article will show Springfield Lake Park's scenic beauty and recreational opportunities, a favorite among all ages. Imagine a place where tranquility meets nature perfectly; that is what defines Springfield Lake Park. The park's 150 acres of unspoiled wilderness are a haven for nature lovers and those seeking refuge from the bustle of the city. Springfield Lake Park provides something for everyone, whether you love natur... 11/22/2023

Exploring the Stunning Natural Beauty of Rivercut Golf CourseHey there, fellow golf enthusiasts! If you're hunting for your next golfing adventure, look no further than the stunning Rivercut Golf Course. Situated in the heart of nature's embrace, this course is a golfer's dream come true. Let's take a virtual trip to discover what sets Rivercut Golf Course, a hidden gem for golf lovers.A Slice of Golfing HeavenRivercut Golf Course is more than just a golf course; it's a golfing paradise in Springfield, Missouri's picturesque landscapes. With its 18-hole championship layout, meticulously manicured fairways, and challenging design, it's no wonder this course has earned a reputation as one of the region's finest.When you step onto the first tee, you're greeted by a landscape that feels plu... 11/22/2023

Navigating the Real Estate Market of Battlefield, Missouri Homes for Sale in Battlefield, Missouri, is a diverse selection of stunning residences nestled in the heart of the Ozarks. Whether you're in search of a new home, Battlefield offers a delightful blend of small-town charm and modern conveniences. With its breathtaking natural landscapes, top-notch schools, and vibrant community, Battlefield caters to a diverse range of preferences.Navigating the current real estate market in Battlefield, Missouri, can be both thrilling and demanding, given its fast-paced nature. Whether you're a first-time buyer, someone looking to upgrade, or considering a move to this picturesque town, being well-informed about the local real estate scene is crucial.Battlefield is more than simply a dot on the ... 11/22/2023

A Sign The Market is SlowingWith the rising interest rates, the chart below shows the slowing of the market.  When interest rates were at their lowest, homes were selling at around 94% of the list price in the Springfield area market.  Through the summer months, they rose to over 96% of list price.Todays market is showing the sales prices are weaking with sale to original list price dropping back to 95%.   Further signs show inventory on the rise.  Homes in and around the Springfield Mo MLS are slowing growing.  During the summer months, the number of homes stayed below 2800.   Today, 3228 homes are active on the market for sale.  During the winter season, inventory usually falls, but this year I believe we will see an increase. The cause once again is higher interest rates.Has this aff... 11/14/2023

Cost of Living in Springfield, MO: Overview While the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is between $600 and $900 depending on the neighborhood or kind of building chosen, median house values in Springfield, Missouri, rest below the national average at around $150K. This makes the city appealing to people looking to escape from high rates elsewhere. With tax rates slightly lower than in some rural areas of the country but still higher than in other cities around Missouri, it is projected that the Cost of Living in Springfield, MO, will remain close to the U.S. average for necessities like food and utilities. The cost of living there can vary depending on your employment, the typical wage in the area, and the real estate market there. In Springfield, Missouri, essentials li... 11/02/2023

Springfield Missouri and the surrounding areas are no different than the rest of the USA.Inventory is down and prices continue to rise.  Buyers are still buying, even while interest rates rise.  I can still remember assuming a mortgage at 15.875% when I first moved to Missouri, so an interest rate of 6% doesn't seem so bad right now.  However, we have been spoiled by lower rates over the last few years.  I don't seem them coming back for many years, so if you are wanting to buy, now is the time.Call The "KAY" Team now to get started on buying or selling your next home.  417-839-4534. Photo courtesy of Springfield MLS 04/18/2023

Hadassah Freilich was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia back in 1948 to Samuel and Ella.  In 1949 the family moved to the United States settling in Gardner, Massachusetts.  She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government and Dramatics from Boston University in 1970, as well as a MA in International Relations from Northeastern University.After graduation, she worked at Lehman Brothers as a director of Policy, Planning and Communications at Pfizer.  She also held the position as a senior program officer at the National Research Council. She is also a member of the Parents Music Resource Center.  In 2005, she was hired by Hill & Knowlton as a senior counselor in the firm’s health care and pharmaceuticals practice.  She has also served as Chairman of the Ambassador’s Ball for the National... 06/08/2021

William Robert Laughlin was born in San Gabriel, California back in 1932 to Robert and Charlotte.  At the tender age of eight he worked in the film industry.  He was made famous by his strange guttural voice (more on that in a moment). He died in 1948, he was sixteen from a motorcycle accident.  He was the youngest of the actors/actresses to die from the Our Gang films.  For those of you old enough to remember those films if you haven’t figured it out by now he was known as Froggy.  Your day is worthwhile when you make someone smile, so give the free gift of a smile today. 04/18/2021

Yasmeen Lari was born in Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan back in 1941.  At 15 she left Pakistan to go with her family to London for vacation.  The family decided to stay in London enrolling in school.  She attended the Oxford Brookes University, graduating in 1964.At 23, she returned to Pakistan with her husband, initially facing difficulties because of her gender.  However, in 1969 that all changed by she was elected a Member of the (RIBA), more on that in a moment.  She retired in 2000 and is currently serving as an advisor for UNESCO.Okay, this one is going to be short, so let’s get to it.  What you may not know about Yasmeen is that the university she attended in London was the Oxford Brookes University of Architecture, (RIBA) stands for the Royal Institute of British Architects.  She was... 04/10/2021

Percy Edgar Lambert was born in Westminster, England back in 1881.  He attended the Westminster City School.  After graduation he joined his older brother, Harold Charles Lambert selling Austin and Singer vehicles in Westminster.  Percy and Harold decided to enter into the vehicle manufacturing and jointly formed the Lambert-Herbert Light Car Company.  Their first vehicle was a 10HP 4 Cylinder, it sold for a whopping 225.00.  Percy was also into automobile racing.  Starting in 1910, he had a short career in racing.  He won seven races and placed in six more.  He was killed in 1913 during a race, on the 21st lap the car overturned, he died on the way to the Weybridge Cottage Hospital.What you may not know about Percy is that in February of that same year he covered 103 miles in one hour.... 03/27/2021

 Goodbye 2020!  Welcome to 2021!  For many, this past year has been a struggle.  And the real estate market was affected as well.  Interest rates continued to remain low, but inventory also remained at an all time low.  Prices continue to rise.  New home construction prices are still rising.  The home buyers are now in bidding wars to purchase a home and many homes, if priced right, new listings don’t stay on the market but a few days.Call The Expert Team That Makes House Hunting Easy - The "KAY" Team. In the Southern Missouri MLS, from January 1, 2020 to December 28, 2020, 15,841 homes sold, with an average sales price of $153,991.  1885 homes are currently under contract and 2205 remain on the market.  Currently there is only 1.67 months supply of homes for sale.  On average in 2020, ... 12/30/2020

Itzhak Bentov was born in Humenné Czechoslovakia back in 1923, his parents were killed in Nazi Concentration camps.  He escaped to British Palestine.  He joined the Israeli Science Corps one month before Israel declared statehood in 1948.  He designed Israel’s first rocket for the War of Independence. He moved to the United States in 1954, settling in Massachusetts becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1962.  In 1979, he was killed as a passenger aboard American Airlines Flight 191 that crashed at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago. What you may not know about Itzhak is that he was also an inventor.  He invented the steerable cardiac catheter, helping pioneer the biomedical engineering industry.  He was an early exponent of what has come to be referred to as consciousness studies,... 11/04/2020

Missouri March 2020 Market ReportThe number of sales for March 2020 in Missouri are down, while the average sales prices are rising.  In Springfield, 2930 sales have occuried,with an average sales price of $181,484.  Total volume of sales is $492,024,835.Photo courtest of Missouri RealtorsCall Kay Van Kampen and Rhonda Jones for your free market reports for your home in and around Springfield Missouri.  Need to sell your home?  Call us today! 05/04/2020

Springfield Market Predictions for SpringEven before the Stay-At-Home order for Missouri, the Springfield Market has been strugging with low inventory.  Homes under $200,000 do not stay on the market longer than a week, if priced right.  Higher priced homes are lowering their prices to get their homes sold.The Coronavirus is starting to cause some homeownerss to question whether to sell or wait for the virus to subside.  We are also hearing of delayed closings due to layoffs or loss of jobs.What is this going to do to the upcoming Spring selling season?  Your guess is as good as mine, but here is my prediction:With inventory remaining at an all time low for the Springfield Mo and surrounding areas, buyers will continue to look, purchase and close, keeping the inventory down.  Sellers wi... 04/16/2020

The Years - The Time - All Worth It!  This Short Sale Closed !After 2 1/2 years and many offers.  Tons of paperwork.  Dealing with 2 banks, it seemed like they were both playing devils advocate, we closed on this 16000 Sq Ft Home.  The buyers were awesome, waiting for over 8 months to close.  The sellers helped work through the sale and never gave up.We've closed over 300 short sales, none as difficult as this sale.  The home was the largest in size and price we've ever worked.  During the 2 1/2 years, the times showing the home was endless.  We lost track.  The time it took to go through the house was usually 2 hours.  Our thanks to the title company for keeping the file up to date and to the buyer's lender for closing before the deadlines.  And to the many people that listened to me e... 12/15/2019

Springfield Mo July 2019 Real Estate Market ReportBusy! Busy! Busy!  That's what the Springfield Mo real estate market is doing.  Homes are currently increasing in value.  Listings are flying off the market as fast as they are being listing, especially homes under $300,000.  In and around Springfield, the average price of sales varies, with Springfield being the lowest. Listings still remain "top priority."  We have several new listings waiting to be placed on the market.  Check out our new "Coming Soon" listing in Ozark.  On 10 acres, with an all brick home, finished walkout basement and 50 x 60 storage building, the property is already fenced for horses, with a beautiful wooded setting.         Professional photos are in the works and will be live August 9, 2019.  Be one of the first ... 08/03/2019

The Power Of Advertising - Past Clients Become Forever ClientsWe have a process when servicing our clients, present and past.  For those that relocate to another state, it seems we have a more difficult time staying in touch. This week an out-of- state past client called and asked if we could help once again. Our client brought his preapproval letter and had already found their home from our website.  Within hours we were already under contract! The power of the internet, combined with constant advertising, equal great transactions with previous clients.  Past clients and referrals are our base for our business. By the way, "WE LOVE REFERRALS!" 08/03/2019

Moving to Southwest Missouri? Please watch our 1min 30 second video to get an idea of what to expect!  08/03/2019

Pricing Your Home To Sell in 2019With our busy market, homes in today's market do not stay active if priced right. Years ago, before the Internet was widely available for every aspect of life, determining the price of your home for your local market relied heavily on the assistance of a real estate agent or broker. Now, with the ease of access to many different online real estate information sources, pricing a home for sale can seem like a very easy task. While it may be easier for a seller in 2019 than in 1990, pricing a home still best involves an agent and additional research to ensure a reliable sale price.  That's where the "KAY" Team comes in.  If you are thinking of marketing your home, contact Kay Van Kampen or Rhonda Jones.  Our team has the knowledge of the local market and we... 07/25/2019